Middlings-purifier and dust-collector



(No Model.\ 6 Sheets-Sheet 1. 110. MILLER & H. WALKER. MIDDLINGS PURIPIER AND DUST COLLECTOR.

No. 446,876. Patented Feb. 24, 1891.

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(No Model 6 Sheets-Sheet 2. F. G. MILLER & J. H. WALKER.

MIDDLINGS PURIFIER AND DUST COLLECTOR.

No 446,876. Patented Feb. 24, 1891-. 67 l/l yfz I J20" I B) 45% V C:

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MIDDLINGS PURIFIER AND DUST UOLLEGTOR. No. 446,876. Patented Feb. 24,1891.

WITNESSES. INVENTOH f O J. way

TTORNES (No Model.) fishee'ts sheet 5 F. G. MILLER & J. H. WALKER. MIDDLINGS PURIFIER AND DUST COLLECTOR.

No. 446,876 Patented Feb. 24,1891.

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(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

F. O. MILLER 86 J. H. WALKER. MIDDLINGS PURIFIER AND DUST COLLECTOR.

No. 446,876. Patented Feb. 24, 1891.

WITNESSES A TTOHNS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FERDINAND C. MILLER AND JOHN II. VALKER, OF OREGON CITY, OREGON.

MlDDLlNGS-PU RIFIER AN D DUST-COLLECTOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 446,876, dated February 24, 1891.

Application filed March 19, 1890. Serial No. 344,443. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, FERDINAND 0. MIL- LER and JOHN H. WALKER, of Oregon City, in the county of Clackamas and State of Oregon, have invented a new and Improved Middlings-Purifier and Dust-Collector, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved combined middlings-purifier and dust-collector, which is simple and durable in construction, very efiectively purifies and grades the rniddlings, and at the same time collects all dust and other impurities separating from the middlings, which latter are not subjected to anyharsh treatment, so as to become floured or broken.

The invention consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, as will be hereinafter fully described,and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forminga part of this specification, in which similar letters of reference indiwent.

cate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure lis a side elevation of the improve- Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side elevation of the same on the line as of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse section of the same on the line 3 y of Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the feedhopper and adjacent parts. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of part of one of the air-channels. Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of part of the middlings-leader. Fig. 8 is an inverted plan view of the same. Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse section of the screen and screen-scraper. Fig. 10 is an enlargedside elevation of the screen-stretching device. Fig. 11 is an enlarged plan view of part of the screen-scraper. Fig. 12 is an enlarged side elevation,with parts in section, of the adjustable eccentric for vibrating the screen. Fig. 13 is an enlarged transverse section of one of the suction-fans and adjacent parts on the line 2 z in Fig. 3, and Fig. 1% is a sectional side elevation of the same.

The improved middlings-purifier and dustcolleotor is provided with a suitably-constructed frame A, on one end of which is mounted to turn in suitable bearings the transversely-extending main driving-shaft B, connected with suitable machinery for imparting a rotary motion to the same. The several mechanisms of the machine are actuated for this main driving-shaft. v

Onthe driving-shaft B is secured a pulley 13', over which passes a belt 13 also passing over a pulley B secured on a shaft 0, extending transversely below the shaft B, and mounted to turn in suitable bearings fastened to the end of the frame A. On one outer end of this shaft 0 is secured a pinion O, which meshes into a gear wheel C mounted to rotate loosely 011 a stud 0 secured on the frame A. To the outer face of the gear-wheel C is secured asprocket-wheel 0 over which passes a sprocket-chain G which extends upward and passes over a sprocket-wheel C, secured on one outer end of the transversel y-extendin g feed-roller shaft D, mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the main frame A, and carrying on the inside of the said frame the feed-roller D.

Above the feed-roller D is arranged a hopper D adapted to receive the stock to be purified. The hopper D is provided .With the usual ends and the sides D and D of which the side D extends at its lower edge onto the feed-roller D, while the other side D extends at its lower edge a suitable distance from the said feed-roller to form an opening for passing the stock to the interior of the machine-that is, into the vibrating screen E.

In order to vary the discharge of the stock from the feed-hopper D, a regulating device is employed, which is provided with a weightboard D extending transversely in the hopper D and pivotally connected at its upper end to the side of the side D (See Fig. 5.) From the upper end of this weight-board D extend through suitable openings in the side B one, two, or more rods D, connected at their outer ends with bolts D pivotally connected with a gate D having a beveled lower edge adapted to engage the periphery of the feed-roller D, the said gate being held to slide on the outside of the side D. A nut D side I) and guiding the respective bolt ll)"'. By adjusting the nuts D" the gate l) can be raised or lowered, so as to permit more or less stock to pass from the hopper over the feedroller D, and at the same time by adjusting the nuts the lower edge of the gate can be kept level.

The stock in the hopper D exertsa pressure against the weight-board I)", so that the latter swings on its pivots and by the arm I), pressing on the nuts D", acts on the bolts D connected with the gate 1), so that the latter opens more freely when the weight board D swings downward. When the latter swings upward by a pressure from underneath, then the springs D force the gate D downward toward the feed-roller I), so as to shutoff the supply of stock to the screen E. Thus by the weight-board D and the gate D connected with it, the feeding of the stock from the hopper D to the screen E is automatically accomplished. The stock, after it leaves the feed-roller D, falls onto a transversely-extending inclined board D fixed to the sides of the frame A and discharging the stock into the upper end of the slightly-inclined screen E, which is provided with the usual frame E, and a bolting-cloth E stretched over the under side of the frame E. The sides of the bolting-cloth are held in ver ticallyadjustable beams E, hung on the bolts E", turning in hangers F, attached at the upper end to the side rails of the frame E and extending downward to connect at their lower ends with the middlings-gatherer F, arranged below the screen E and vibrating with the same.

In order to hold the sides of the boltingcloth E in' place on the beams E the latter are rabbeted and formed with a recess into which the edge of the bolting-cloth is passed and held by a strip E", secured in the rabbet of the beam E by screws. The edges of the bolting-cloth are formed with a welt having a string, said welt fitting in the re cesses formed in the beam E and the strip E, as is plainly shown in Fig. 0. The bolting-cloth E is fastened near its middle to the longitudinal central rail of the frame E by passing the middle part of the bolting-cloth through aslotEin the under side of the said central rail E and then forming a welt with a string in this middle part of the boltingcloth, which welt passes through a recess E, formed at the end of the groove Win the central longitudinal railE 'When the operator desires to stretch the bolting-cloth E sidewise, he turns the several bolts E so as to raise the longitudinal beams E, which thereby pull sidewisc on the belting-cloth and stretch the same. The head end of the bolting-cloth is secured to the head rail of the frame E by suitable hooks, button-holes and buttons, staples, &c. The foot end of the bolting-cloth is provided with a pocket, in which is inserted a barE, preferably wedg shaped in cross-section.

Into this bar E screws the liorizontally-extending bolts E, mounted to turn in brackets E, secured to the foot end of the frame E of the screen E, (see Fig. 10,) so that by turning the bolts E the bolting-cloth can be stretchedlengthwise. The bolting-cloth E is made in sections of different mesh, which vary from one end to the other in such a manner that the finest section of the cloth is near the head end, and then the meshes increase in size toward the foot.

The screen E,as well as the middlings-carrior F, supported on the said screen by the hangers h", is mounted to swing on arms F pivotally connected with the end hangers I on each side of the machine. Each of the arms 1 extends downward and is pivotally connected to an arm F vertically adjustable on the outside of the frame G for the lower or finishing part of the middlings-purifier. The arms 1 permit the screen and the middlings-carrier F to swing longitudinally, and the vibrating motion is imparted to the said screen by a vibrating mechanism II, connected withthehead end of the screen E and operated from the main driving-shaft B.

One of the transverse rails of the frameE of the screen E is pivotally connected by links 11., which extend outward through the head end of the frame A above the main driving-shaft B, as is plainly shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 12. The outer end of each link II is pivotally connected with an arm 11F, provided on one edge with a series of teeth ll", adapted to mesh into teeth 11 formed on anotherarm ll", the lower end of which is pivotally connected at H to a link Il t'ulernmed on the end of the frame A. The arm II is fastened to the arm H by a bolt ll held in the arm ll and passing th rough a slot ll in the said arm ll. The arm II is engaged by an eccentric B", formed on the main driving-shaft I hen thelatter is rotated, the eccentric l3 imparts aswinging motion to the arm II, which, on account of being rigidly connected with the arm I1 imparts a forward and backward motion to the link I'l, connected with the screen E, so that the latter is vibrated longitudinally. In order to increase or diminish the throw imparted to the screen E, the operator slackens the bolt II and then shifts the two arms II and ll to lengthen or shorten the distance between the pivotal connection of the linkll' with the arm Il and the pivot ll". The teeth II and ll, meshing one in the other, permit such movement, and when the bolt II is screwed up the said teeth firmly hold the two arms I] and ll together. Thus by a very simple means the throw given to the screen E can be regulated at any time.

In order to clean the meshes of the boltingcloth of the screen E, a scraping-device I is employed, provided with a longitudinallyextending brush I, adapted to slide transversely and engaging the under side of the bolting-cloth E The brush 1 is preferably formed of a strip of felt or cashmere set into IIO a longitudinally-extending bar Pand fastened thereto by a strip 1 set'in a rabbet in the bar I to abut against the said brush 1, and fastened to the bar 1 as is plainly illustrated in Fig. 9. The longitudinal bar I is provided with two or more transversely-eX-' tending shoes I, fitted to slide on transversely-extending gnideways 1 supported at their lower ends by arms 1, adapted to be vertically adjusted on the outside of the frame G, previously mentioned, and containing the final purifying device. Each guideway I is preferably V shaped on top, and a correspondingly-shaped groove is formed on the under side of the shoe 1*. This is done to prevent any middlin gs, af ter' passing through the bolting-cloth E, from remaining on top of the guideways 1 as the latter, with their sharp projecting edges, cause the middlings to fall downward.

The bar l is moved transverselyby a mechanism J, arranged in the following manner: On the end of each bar 1 is secured an arm 1 or 1 respectively, which are alike in construction, but arranged to extend in opposite directions, as is plainly shown in Figs. 2 and 11. Each arm 1 or 1 is provided with a curved part 1 extending from the bar-1 and provided at its outer end with an inwardly-extending lug 1 A shoulder l is formed on the inner end of each curved part 1 and this shoulder I, as Well as the lug P, is adapted to be alternately engaged by vertically-arranged pins J and J held on one of the links of the sprocket-chain J or J respectively, passingoverthehorizontally-arranged sprocket-wheels J and J respectively, and also passing over sprocket-wheels J mounted to turn on studs secured to the main frame, as is plainly shown in Fig. 2. The sprocketchains J and J 5 extend transversely.

The sprocket-wheel J over which passes the sprocket-chain J is secured on the upper end of an upright shaft J, mounted to turn in suitable hearings in one end of the main frame A.. On the lower end of this shaft J is secured a bevel gear wheel J which meshes into a bevel gear-wheel J secured on a shaft J extending longitudinally near the bottom of the frame A and mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the same. On the rear end of the said shaft J (see Fi 3) is secured a bevel gear-wheel J which meshes into a bevel gear-wheel J, fastened on the lower end of an upright shaft J mounted to turn in suitable bearings in the lower end of the frame A, and carrying at its upper end the sprocket-wheel J, previously mentioned.

The shaft J is operated from the shaft 0,

driven by the main drivingshaft B, as previously mentioned, the said shaft 0 being provided for this purpose with aworm 0 meshing into a worm-wh eel (1 secured on the shaft J near the bevel-wheel J so that when the shaft 0 is rotated from the main driving-shaft it imparts a slow rotary motion by the worm C and the worm-wheel O to the shaft J tending bar 1 carrying the brush 1 laterally in the following manner:

"Vhen the chains J" and J are in motion, the bar I is carried rearward by the pins J and J 2 pressing against the shoulder 1 0f the arm I and the lug 1 of the arm 1 respectively. When the bar I has reached its outermost position, the pin J disengages the shoulder I, and the pin .l passes off the lug 1 so that the bar 1 remains stationary, and the pins J and J travel around one half of the sprocket-wheels J 6 and J 7 until the pin J strikes against the inside of. the lug 1 and the pin J strikes against the shoulder I of the arm 1 As both pins strike simultaneously the parts referred to, the bar I is carried along-that is, moved forward under the under side of the bolting-cloth E so that the brush 1 scrapes the meshes of the boltingcloth, thus cleaning the same. lVhen the pins J and J 2 have carried the bar 1 into its forward position, then the said pin J slips off the lug 1 and the pin J 2 passes off the shoulder 1 of the arml and travels around the outer half of the sprocket-wheels J 8 to engage the shouldcr I of the arm l and the lug 1 of the arm 1 respectively. so as to move the bar I backward to cause the brush 1 to again scrape the bolting-cloth E During the time the pins J and J travel around the outer halves of the sprocket-wheels J J and J as above described, the bar 1 with the brush I',remains stationary. The movement imparted to the sprocket-chains I and I from the main driving-shaft B, as previously mentioned, is very slow, so that the brush 1 cleans the meshes of the bolting-cloth E very thoroughly.

The middlings-gatherer F, located below the screen E and moving with the latter, is provided with an open frame, in which are arranged sets of transversely-extending hoppers, each having a long inclined side F and a short steep inclined side F, the lower ends of both sides forming an opening F, F, or F respectively, discharging into the openings G, G and G respectively, formed transversely in the closed top G of the frame G for the lower or finishing part of the purifier previously mentioned. At the lower end of the gatherer F is arranged an inclined side F which extends partly under the next following inclined side F and forms with the lat ter the opening F which registers withan opening G, formed in the top G of the frame G. The several openings G, G G and G open into compartments K K K K", respectively, formed in the'closed frame G.

The middlings from the screen E pass through the several sections of the boltingeloth E onto the middlings-gatherer F in such a manner that the finest middlings fall onto the first set of sides F and F, which discharge through the opening F and through the opening G into the compartment K of the frame G. The next finest middlings fall onto the next section of the gatherer F and pass through the openings F and G into the compartment K. The coarser middlings fall onto the sides of the next section of the middliugs-gatherer and pass through the openings F and G into the compartment K The last or coarsest middlings pass onto the inclined side F- and through the openings F and G into the compartment K. The bran, passing over the end of the bolting-cloth E falls into a downwaidly-extending chute E, arranged on one end of the main frame A and leading to the outside of the machine.

In the ends of the compartments K and K are formed the vertically-extending suctionchannels K and K", and the compartments K and K are separated from each other by a third suction-channel K extending vertically and transversely from one side of the frame to the other. The compartments K and K are separated from each other by the blast-channel K arranged vertically and extending transversely from side to side of the frame G, and in a similar manner the compartments K and K" are separated from each other by a blast-channel K. The blast-channels K and K are connected at their lower ends at each side of the frame G with longiudiually-extending channels L and l.,eonnccted at one end with a vertically-extending channel L leading to a blower l. of any ap proved consl ruetion.

The suction-channels K K and K open at one end into a longitudinally-extcnding channel N, containing slides N near the channels K, K and K''', to regulate the amount of air passing from the saidchannels. (See Fig. 1.) The middle of this longitudinally-extending channel N connected with an upwardly-extending channel N leading to a transversely-extending channel N, having an inclined bottom,and over which passes the cloth of the dust-collector t). The channel N is connected above the cloth 0 with a vertical channel X, leading to a suction -fan N of any approved construction. (See Figs. .4 1Il,and ll.) The suetion-fan N is operated from the main driving-shaft, and for this purpose its shaft X carries at one end a pulley l', over which passes a belt X, also passing over a pulley l\'', secured on the main driving-shaft B, as plainly illustrated in Fig. 1. 0n the otherend of the shaft N is arranged a pulley ll, over which passes a belt L, also passing over a pulley 1.", (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3,) and attached to the shaft of the blower L. Thus when the shaft N is rotated to actuate the fan N the blower L is actuated at the same time, so that both the blast from the blower L" and the suction from the fan N operate simultaneously in the several compartments K, K, K, and K Each of the blastchannels K and K is provided with a series of side openings K",

leading to the several compartments K, K,

K and K. Each opening K is adapted to be opened or closed by a slide K mounted to slide in. suitable guideways fastened to the outside of the channels, the said slides being operated from the outside of the machine by suitable crankarms K or other suitable means. (See Fig. i.)

When the machine is in operation, the air forced by the blower L passes from the latter through the channels 1], L, and L into the blast-channels K and K and from the latter through the openings K into the several compartments, so as to act on the middlings passing down the compartments through the respective openings G, G G, and The lighter particles are there separated by the incomingairfrom the heavier particles, which latter fall downward in the compartments, while the light particles fallonto the inclined boards K arranged transversely on the inside of the suction-channels K, K and K The boardsK open onto channels K formed on the inside of the said channels K", K, and K said openings being provided on the insides of the channels with inwardly self-opening valves K opened by the suction of air from the fan N.

In each of the compartments K, K, K", and K are arranged a series of valves P, P, and 1", one located above the other opposite the openings K and adapted to be set at any inclination, according to the work to be performed. The said valves serve to direct the current of air passing from the blast-channels K and K. onto the middlings, so that as the heaviest fall downward in the compartments the lighter are blown over the valves to pass downward, while the lightest particles or dust pass readily onto the inclined boards K, leading to the openings in the suction-channels K", K", and K Under the several valves 1, l, and l are arranged triangular transverselycxtendingbeams 1",1, and P which serve to guide the middlings in their downward course and to agitate the same, so as to permit the air to act more readily on the same, in order to separate the lighter particles from the heavier ones. Under each valve P, 1, or 1" is arranged a small triangular cross-bar resting with its base on the point of the re- .spective beams l P 1 and serving to guide the middlings onto the said beams.

On each side of the blast-channels K and K are arranged beveled beams 1, located opposite the beams 1, I and P and forming with the latter, hoppers through which the middlings have to pass in their downward course. The lowermostheams P and P form a series of hoppers P I P" P I P P P in the bottom of the frame G. Thehopper 1 opens into a transversely-extending chute (g,

leading at its lower end into a longitudinallyextending chute Q, opening under the machine near its middle, as is plainly shown in Figs. 3 and 8. The next following hopper P of the compartment K opens into a transversely-extending chute Q and the hopper P of the compartment K opens in a similarlyextending chute Q which, with the chute Q opens into a longitudinallyextending chute Q extending parallel with the chute Q and opening under the machine near its middle.

The hopperP next to the hopper P in the compartment K, opens into a transverselyextending chute Q opening at one side of the machine. The hopperP of the compartment K also opens into this chute Q The next following hopper P of the compartment'K and the hopper P of the compartment K open into two transversely-extending chutes Q and Q both leading into a longitudinallyextending chute Q arranged in line with the chute Q and discharging under the machine near its middle.

The last hopperP in the compartment K opens into a transversely-extending chute Q discharging into-a longitudinally-extending chute Q arranged in line with the chute Q, and also discharging near the middle of the machine. The lower open ends of the suction-channels K K and K open into the hoppers P P and P respectively, so that I in case heavier particles pass into the said channels through the openings K they can drop down the said channelsinto the respective transverse chutes Q, Q, and Q. The sevare secured on a suitably-constructed frame Q, hung at its ends on links Q supported from the ends of the frame G. In order to move the separated middlings in the several chutes so as to cause the same to pass to the outside of the machine, one end of the frame Q is connected with a vibrating device H, similar to the one above described in reference to the vibrating mechanism for the screen. This vibrating mechanism His connected with and operated from the shaft 0, which derives its motion from the main shaft B, as previously described.

When the machine is inoperation, the air forced by the blower L into the several compartments K K K K acts on the'downwardly-falling middlings so as to separate the lighter particles from the heavier ones, which latter pass to the several chutes discharging and the coarsest by the chute Q The dust-collector O is provided with an endless traveling cloth 0', preferably made of bolting-cloth having mesh No. 16, and passing over two rollers O and 0 extending transversely and mounted 'to turn'in suitable bearings in the closed top of the frame A.

Zetween the two rollers O and O is arranged a table 0 over which passes the uppermost part of the endless cloth 0, and from the under side of the said table extend longitudinal strips 0 on the bottom of which travels the lower part of the said endless cloth 0.

The table, with its strips 0 prevents the parts of the endless cloth 0 from being drawn together when suction is applied from the fan, as hereinafter more fully described. The endless traveling cloth 0 passes through the channel N as previously mentioned, so that the air drawn by the fan N through the channel N travels from the channel N through that part of the endless traveling cloth 0' and through a separate compartment N formed underneath the table N one end of the said compartment leading to the channel N. The other compartment N formed beneath the table 0 extends over a space formed in the main frame A, over the screen E, and the sides of this compartment are connected with channels R and R, (see Figs. 3 and 4,) each containing a valve R and both leading to a transversely-extending channel R from the middle of which leads upward a channel R opening into the suction-fan R arranged alongside the suction-fan N and having its wheel mounted on the shaft N previously mentioned, and operating the suction-fan N.

From the transverse channel R extends lon gitudinally a channel R", arranged on the top of the frame A and leading into a transverselyextending channel R opening in downwardly-exfending channels R leading to the sides of a compartment formed by a second clustcollector S, similar in construction to the collector O,previously described. In each of the channels R is arranged a valve R for regulating the suction. The collector S is provided with the endless traveling cloth S, passing over the rollers S and S between which is. arranged a table S having longitudinal strips S to prevent the cloth from being drawn together by the suction from the fan R The lower part of the endless traveling cloth S is arranged over the space above the lower end of the screen E, as is plainly shown in Fig. 3.

The rollers O O and S S of the two dustcollectors O and S are covered with soft flannel or other suitable material, and the outermost rollers are journaled in boxes held longitudinally adjustable by suitable means, such as shown in Fig. 1. Each of the traveling cloths O and S is provided on its inside with a series of endless strips 0, travelingin correspondingly-shaped longitudinal grooves formed on the tops of the tables 0 and S and on the under sides of the strips 0 and 8", respectively. In order to permit a smooth passage of the strips 0 around the respective rollers, the latter are provided with annular v grooves for the same. It is understood that t? tame these strips serve to strengthen the bolting cloth 0 or 5, respectively, so as to prevent its breaking and to hold it in shape.

It will be seen that when the two fans 1) and R are in operation asuetion is caused in the compartments K, K, K, and K, as pre viously describechso that theimpurities passing through the channels N, N and N come in contact in the last-named channel with the under side of the traveling cloth 0 and adhere to the latter, while the air passes through the compartment N and to the channel N, and from the latter to the fan N. The impurities adhering to the under side of the cloth 0 are carried along by the latter to be finally scraped oil, as hereinafter more fully described. At the same time asuction is pro d need by the fan R in the channels R R R R, the compartment N under the table 0, and in the space above the front end of the screen E, so that the middlings passing onto the said screen E from the hopper D are agitated, and the very light particles are drawn upward by the said suction against the under side of the cloth 0 to be carried along with the other impurities from the channel R, as above described. In a similar manner the impurities from the screen E at its rear end pass onto the under side of the cloth S by the suction from the fan R through the channels R R and R", leading from under the table S to the fan R".

In order to further regulate the upward motion of the impurities from the screen E, two upright screens T and T are arranged between the screen E and the under side of the' cloths O and S,as is plainly shown in Fig. 3. The screens T and T are suspended at their upper ends and hang loosely downward onto the screen E. 011 the suspended ends of the screens T and T are arranged transverselyextending valves T and T, adapted to be placed in any desired position, so as to assist in regulating the current of air passing up to the dust-collecting cloths O and S, respectively.

The screens T and T serve to regulate the current of air on the middlings on their passage over the screen E. Thus from the front end of the screen E, where the lniddlin gs drop from the feed-roller D down on the cloth E to the tail end of the machine, they are kept constantly mingling with a controlled current of air. The light iluity fiber, with the dust and other impurities, is carried up against the cloths O and S of the dustcolleetors, which cloths carry the same along to be discharged, as presently to be described.

The cloths O and h" pass into compart ments V and V, containing the rollers 0" and S and in which are mounted to turn revolving brushes V and Y in contact with the cloths 0' and S, respectively, so as to brush off any impurities adhering to the said cloths. The brushes V and V are formed on transversely-extending shafts Y and V", carrying on their outer ends the gear-wheels Y and one in mesh with the other, that the two brushes revolve tt'igether when one of the said shafts is revolved. The imputi ties brushed off by the brushes Y and V from the cloths O and S fall into the V- shaped bottom of the compartments and V, in which bottoms operate the transverselyext'cnding conveyer-screws \V and W, secured on transverscly-extending shafts and W, geared together at one outer end by gear-wheels \V. The bottoms of the compartments V and are extended to one side of the machine, as is plainly shown in Fig. 2, the outer ends of the said bottoms being provided with openings V, through which passes the dust to the outside of the machine, the dust being carried to the said openings Y by the conveyor-screws \V and \V In order to impart the necessary motion to the dust collectors and conveyers, the shafts l' and U, carrying the rollers O and S", are provided on their outer ends with wormwhecls U and U, respectively, in mesh with worms U" and U, respectively, formed on a longitudinally-cxtendi11g shaft U, mounted to turn in suitable bearings on thetop of the main frame A. The outer end of the shaft; U is provided with a worm-wheellj in mesh with a worm U formed or secured on a transvcrselycxt'ending short shaft U", mounted to turn in suitable bearings at one end of the main frame A. On the shaft U" is secured a pulley U over which passes a belt also passing over a pulley U, secured on the main driving-shaft l3. Thus when the latter is rotated a rotary motion is transmitted to the shafts 1"" and U, which latter, by the worms U" and lf' and the worm-wheels U and U, respectively, turns the rollers U and i of the dust-collectors O and S, so that the cloths O and S receive a traveling motion in the direction of the arrows d and Z) indicated in Fig. 3.

One of the conveyor-shafts receives a rotary motion from a pulleys; on the shaftl) by a belt :0 to a pulley .1 on said conveyorshaft, and this oonveyershaft carries a sprocket wheel over which passes a sprocket-chain W also passing over a sprocket-whcel W secured on the shaft V of the revolving brush V. Thus when the conveyor is rotated, as above described, a rotary mo tion is imparted by the said sprocket-wheel \V", the chain \V, and the sprocket-wheel V to the revolving brush V and as the latter is geared with the other revolving brush, both rotate simultaneously when the rollers 0 and S are set in motion.

The operation is as follows: \Vhen the main driving-shaft B is rotated, the several mechanisms are set in motion, as above described. The stock to be operated on is placed in the hopper D and passes from the latter over the feed-roller D onto the screen E, which grades the middlings by the sections of different -cloth of the dust-collector 0.

mesh, so that the finest grade passes into the ing in to the several compartments, are treated therein by the blast and suction of air in the manner previously described, so that the pnrified middlings finally are discharged into the several chutes arranged in the shaking frame Q, as above described. The impurities from the several compartments pass into the suction-channels K K and K and' are drawn through the chutes N and N int: the channel N and against the under side of the The air passes through the cloth 0' and through the compartment N through the channel N leading to the suction-fan N; The cloth 0' carries the impurities along to be finally brushed off by the revolving brush V, which discharges the impurities and dust onto the conveyerscrew W, moving the said impurities through the openings V to the outside. The stock as it passes onto the screen E is also subjected to suction from the suction-fan R which suction takes place above the screen E through the cloths O and S, as previously described, so that any fluffy fiber contained in the stock is drawn immediately upward against. the under side of the cloths O and S and deposited by the two latter onto the conveyerscrews IV and lVflwhich carry all impurities to the outside of the machine.

The stock passing once through this machine needs no further grading or purifying, as the material is thoroughly treated and thoroughly purified and graded when itleaves the machine and the chutes of the shakingframe Q.

It will further be seen that the stock is not subjected to heavy strain or pressure, so that the middlings are not crushed or floured, as is so frequently the case in the purifiers as now constructed.

Having thus fully described our invention, we claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a middlings-purifierand dust-collector. the combination, with the frame and ascreen mounted to swing, of an arm adapted to be engaged by an eccentric, a link pivoted to the lower end of the arm and to the frame, a second arm adjustably secured to the first arm, and a link pivoted to the upper end of the second arm and to the screen, substantially as described.

2. In a middlingspurifierand dust-collector, a vibrating attachment comprising a shaft having an eccentric, an arm engaged by the said eccentric and having teeth, a link pivotally connected with the said arm, and a second arm having teeth in mesh with the teeth of the first-named arm, said arms being bolted together, substantially as shown and described.

In a middlings-puri tier and dust-collector, the combination, with a frame, of a boltingcloth having a welt at. its sides, beams provided with rabbets having recesses, recessed strips fitting and secured in the rabbets of the beams, and bolts engaging said beams for adjusting them, substantially as described.

4. In a middlings-purifierand dust-collector, the combination, with a frame, of verticallyadjustable beams at the sides of the frame,a bolting-cloth having one end secured to one end of the frame and its edges secured to said beams, a bar secured to the other end of the cloth, and screws f0 adjusting said bar, substantially as shown and described.

5. In a middlings-purifierand dust-collector, a screen comprising a frame, a bolting-cloth stretched on the under side of the said frame, side beams provided with rabbets and strips for fastening the sides of the said boltingcloth,screw-rods screwing into thesaid beams and mounted to turn on the said frame for raising and lowering the said beams, and buttons or hooks for fastening one end of the said bolting-cloth to the head of the said frame, and an adjustable bar held on the foot of the said frame and on whichthe lower end of the said boltingcloth is secured, substantially as shown and described.

6. Ina middlings-purifier and dust-collector, the combination, with transversely-extending adjustable guideways, of shoes fitted to slide on the said guideways, a longitudinally-extending beam supported on the shoes, a brush secured on the top of the said beam, and means, substantially as described, for imparting an intermittent transverse motion to the said beam, as set forth.

7. In a middlings-purifier and d List-collector, the combination, with two horizontal sprocket-chains mounted to travel, and each provided with a vertical pin, of a brush-beam carrying a brush and provided with bent arms, each having a lug and a shoulder adapted to be engaged by the vertical pins of the said sprocket-chains, substantially as shown and described.

8. In a middlings-purifier and dust-collector, the combination, with a screen and adjustable guideways extending transversely under the screen, of a longitudinal brush-beam provided with a shoe at each end fitting upon the guideways, and with arms, each havingalug and a shoulder, endless chains provided with pins, and means for operating said chains, substantially as described.

9. In a middlings-purifier and dust-collector, the combination of a frame provided with a series of compartments and suction and blast channels communicating with said compartments, suction and blast fans, channels connecting the fans respectively with the suction and blast channels, a vibrating screen above ITO the conlpartments, and a dust-collector above the vibrating screen and having an endless traveling cloth passing through one of the suctiml-channels, substantially as herein shown and described.

It). In a middlings-puri[ier amldust-eollcetor, the combination of a frame provided with a series of compartments and suction and blast channels between the (EOIHPZH'i'lHOlliS 111d communicating therewith, suction and blast fans,channelsconnecting\viththeblast-channels at their lower ends and leading to the blast-fan, a channel connected with the suctionchannels and with other channels leading to thesuction-fan, a dust-collectorhaving an endless traveling cloth passing through one of the suction-chanuels, and a vibrating screen below the dust-collector, substantially as herein shown and described.

11. In a middlings-puriticr, a frame providcd with aseries of cmnpartments provided with a series of hoppers and pivoted valves, and vertical suction and blast channels having valved openings leading to the compartments opposite the valves of said (jOll'lllftl'tments, the suction-channels being at the end and middle of the frame and the blast-channels between the suction-channels, substair tially as herein shown and described.

1;. In a middlings-puritier,a frame having the compartments K, K, K and K provided with the central triangular beams 'l P 1"", the beveled beams l opposite the central beams and forming with them a series of hoppers, and the valves 1 l" 1 above the said beams 1" P P the suction-channels K" K K and the blast-channels K" K between the suctionehannels, the said channels being provided with valved openings leading into the compartments, substantially as herein shown and described.

13. In a iniddlings-purilier, the combination, with a vibrating frame having a bolting cloth of different mesh-section and a series of hoppers below the same, of a series of cornpartmcnts K K K K, receiving the graded middlings from the said hoppers, and each provided with a series of hoppers and valves, one above the other, suctionchannels K Ix'F K blast-channels K in between the suctionchannels, said channels being provuled with openings leading into the compartn'ients, and asuction and blastfan connected, rcspecti vcly, with the said channels, substantially ashorein shown and described.

14'. A middlings-purilierand dust-collector, consisting of a vibrating framehavinga bolting-cloth ot' dillerent mesh-section, a scriesof hoppers belowthc frame, a series of compartments below the hoppers, each having a series of hoppers and valves arranged one above the other, a series of suction and blast channels provided with valved openings leading into the con'ipartments, a series of chutes below thehoppersof the compartments, suction and blast t'ans connected with the suction and blast channels, respectively, and a dust-collector above the vibrating frame and comprising a traveling cloth and a suction-fan, substantially as herein shown and described.

15. In a middlings-puritier and dust-collector, the combination, with a vibrating screen, of one, two, or more d ustcolleetors arranged over the said screen, and each comprising a suction-fan, an endless traveling cloth, the air passing through the traveling cloth, while the llulfy liber of the middlings on the said screen adheres to the said cloth and is carried along by the same, and transversely-ext;ending loosely-swinging screens arranged between the said endless cloth and the top of the screen, subst al'itially as shown and described.

16. In a n1iddlii'lgs-puriticr and dust-collector, the combination of a dust-collector cloth provided with strips'on its inner surface and a table between rollers of the said clot), and provided with longitudinal grooves to receive the strips of the cloth, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

FERDINAND C. MILLER. JOHN ll. WALKER. \Yitnesses:

A. E. DAVIS, L. t. CAPLTCS. 

